Aussie-born, US-based artist YDE has really impressed me with her latest single “Old Her”. With insightful lyrics and a fresh sound, I can’t stop listening. At 19 she’s probably too young for an existential crisis, but I’m buying it!
“‘Old Her’ is my perspective on growing up and feeling like life never gets easier,” YDE explained. “Each verse is a real-time reflection from different chapters of life that all point back to the sarcastic conclusion that ignorance is bliss.”
She’s not even out of her teens yet, but YDE has already accomplished so much. She had starring roles in the Nickelodeon series The Haunted Hathaways and School of Rock and Netflix’s Malibu Rescue. She also starred alongside Broadway queen Idina Menzel in the live production, WILD: A Musical Becoming. Past singles “BlindLife” and “Stopped Buying Diamonds” got the attention of Drake and Justin Bieber. Now “Old Her” sets the stage for YDE’s debut album, which drops later this year.
Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia
If you’re having one of those workdays that can’t end fast enough, allow yourself a couple of minutes to bliss out to “145,” the latest single from Sydney singer-songwriter Euan Hart. It’s a bit of a slow burner, but trust me, when it kicks in, you’ll be glad you stuck with it. This dreamy number is a sonic equivalent of an afternoon chocolate bar, soothing and so satisfying. The song was born out of the angst Euan felt during his studies.
“I was just starting back at uni and had a lot of anxiety around why I was there, why everyone was there,” Euan explained. “I felt a little strange about how these marks were determined by people that had simply done the same thing I was doing, but for a longer period of time.
The song’s music video, produced and directed by Euan and Jack Moran, is the second in a three-part series.
“Generally the trilogy is about mental health and being overwhelmed by other people’s expectations,” Euan said. “The biggest thing that annoys me in life is people not being nice to each other. It sounds simple and cheesy but surely it’s something everyone wants!”
Sydney, you can see Euan, one of the nice guys of the music industry, headlining a show at the OAF Gallery on August 4.
Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Jack Moran
After experimenting with electro-pop, Brisbane singer-songwriter Sloan Peterson has brought back the guitars for her latest single “Wear My Heart Out.” A collaboration with her best friend and fellow music Pearl, Sloan says the track is a product of her most authentic self.
“I tend to be a lone wolf, spending a lot of time struggling to socialise or even attend events. Music was one of the only communities I had been a part of or known, and so it was a no brainer – I wanted my next single to have my best friend featuring on it, bringing some girl power and community back into my life!” she affirmed. “Pearl and I wrote this song one morning over a cuppa in Rose Bay, after dissecting our most recent experiences in life, and relating them to other stories we had heard from people in lockdown.”
The song comes with a fun clip loosely inspired by the opening scene of Guardians of the Galaxy, where Star-Lord dances freely to “Come and Get Your Love.”
“We only had a small team of four, including Pearl and myself, so we had freedom to run around the city with no restrictions,” Sloan added. “This was one of the most enjoyable, easy going video clips I’ve been a part of and watched, as it captures the raw, uninhibited dynamic/relationship Pearl and I share together. She’s one of my closest friends so it’s been the best to share this journey with her.”
Welcome back Sloan Peterson! The music scene has missed you!
Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Joe Brennan
If you love all things ‘80s, you’ll appreciate the retro vibe of Good Lekker’s latest single “Pretty Boys”. It’s a synthy pop-rock banger that will have you busting out those old-school dance moves before you know it.
“‘Pretty Boys’ is our reflection on narcissists and their impact on those around them,” the Sydney band explained. “It quietly frowns at those who continually seek to benefit themselves at the expense of others. By going after these people, we hope to motivate ourselves and others to interact with one another in more healthy ways and, ultimately, create awareness through our music and shows.”
Good Lekker expands on the theme with their fantastic new music video, which was shot across Sydney and Wollongong with director Nicholas Isaksson. The clip highlights the narcissistic stereotype with its two protagonists.
“Their relationship throughout the film highlights the ups and downs that many people have with partners, friends and family,” the band added. “We see that these events shouldn’t define us nor stop us from moving on with our lives. The film clip inspired the meaning and the lyrics of the track. Nicholas came to us with the storyline, and then we wrote the song; usually, it’s the other way round. This was a challenge when it came to re-writing the song in the studio and keeping the message coherent.”
Good Lekker are currently travelling all around the East Coast and Tassie supporting local legends Shag Rock and British India. You can still catch them at the following venues:
17 June 2022 – Crowbar, Sydney (supporting British India)
18 June 2022 – Uni Bar, Wollongong (supporting British India)
24 June 2022 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (supporting Shag Rock)
25 June 2022 – The Triffid, Brisbane (supporting Shag Rock)
26 June 2022 – Eleven Dive Bar, Maroochydore (supporting Shag Rock)
2 July 2022 – Altar, Hobart (supporting Shag Rock)
Melbourne artist Zachary Leo is adding a little funk to your morning with his ultra-cool new single “Can’t Get Enough”. With that groovy bassline, airy synths, and Zachary’s effortless vocals, I can’t get enough of this song!
“The song speaks about being addicted to something that isn’t good for you and constantly wanting to distance yourself from reality, something that I found myself doing a lot over the past few years,” Zachary admitted. “A lot of my music tends to relate to what is going on inside my head, whether that be happy feelings or feelings of sadness. There are also frequent links to mental health which is something I feel very passionate about sharing with the world, so that hopefully others can feel they aren’t alone in their struggles.”
Zachary will officially launch the single for hometown fans at Cherry Bar on June 10. If this song is any indication, it’s going to a fun night!
It’s just close enough to the weekend to start the party tunes I think. Queue Laura Mac’s, whose latest single “Don’t Know What I’m Thinking” deserves to get turned up loud at your next shindig. I’ve been moving and grooving to this one at home, but something tells me it’d sound even sweeter surrounded by mates with a bevvy in hand.
“Party, disco, dance – we’re just having fun with it!” explained one half of the Queensland duo, Laura Maclachlan. “All our songs have a different vibe but I feel like we’ve kept our own unique sound. DKWIT is staying up all night partying and loving every second of it. Celebrate every chance you get, party with your mates and dance ‘til you drop… High 5!!”
Laura Mac will play their very first live show supporting British India tomorrow night before playing some East Coast shows in July and August.
21 May 2022 – Solbar, Maroochydore (supporting British India)
29 July 2022 – Greaser Bar, Brisbane (FREE)
6 Aug 2022 – The Last Chance, Melbourne
Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Dane Beesley
I’m in a pretty romantic mood coming off a long weekend away for my wedding anniversary. If you’re feeling loved up too or you just want to live vicariously through some music, you’re going to dig Rya Park’s smooth new single “Everything We Want.” Dedicated to her partner Nick Tam, the guitarist for punk act Kill Bell and a Melbourne music photographer, this track is so romantic and heartfelt. If you adore a love song grounded in reality rather than saccharine sentiments, this one’s for you.
“This song is about Nick and our little love story. We’ve done so much in the time that we’ve been together; travelled the world, had multiple coffee hang outs at the cafe near the psych hospital I was staying at, lived together, lived apart, but mostly have been each other’s biggest support and best friend throughout it all,” Rya gushed. “You change so much through your 20s and we both have grown so much since first meeting each other six years ago at Beyond the Valley music festival. Some of the stuff we’ve been through together has been challenging but has definitely united us and made us stronger.”
“Everything We Wanted” is the second single from Rya’s forthcoming debut EP Generational. With contributions from Alex Lahey, Gordi, and Edward Quinn (Sycco) it’s already sounding pretty fabulous. Generational drops on June 3, a week before the official launch at the LeadBeater in Richmond on June 10.
Dean Lewis is so prolific, it’s so easy to miss those new singles when they drop. So I’m thrilled he’s rereleased his latest track “Hurtless” in a new stripped-back format. What a beautiful piano ballad this is. Can this guy put a foot wrong? It doesn’t seem like it!
“’Hurtless’ has immediately become one of those special, connecting moments in the live shows,” Dean said. “If there’s one thing my career so far has shown me, it’s that the more painfully honest about my own life I am in my songs – the more they seem to resonate”.
Speaking of live shows, Dean has just kicked off his Sad Boi tour in North America and will travel to Europe next. If you’re abroad, here are all the dates you need!
14 May 2022 – The Underground, Charlotte
16 May 2022 – Union Transfer, Philadelphia
17 May 2022 – The Fillmore, Silver Spring
20 May 2022 – Webster Hall, New York City
21 May 2022 – Roadrunner, Boston
23 May 2022 – MTELUS, Montreal
24 May 2022 – HISTORY, Toronto
26 May 2022 – Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit
27 May 2022 – Riviera Theatre, Chicago
28 May 2022 – Fillmore Minneapolis, Minneapolis
30 May 2022 – Ogden Theatre, Denver
31 May 2022 – The Depot, Salt Lake City
2 June 2022 – Malkin Bowl, Vancouver
4 June 2022 – The Showbox, Seattle
5 June 2022 – Roseland Theater, Portland
7 June 2022 – The Regency Ballroom, San Francisco
8 June 2022 – Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles
11 June 2022 – The Observatory North Park, San Diego
12 June 2022 – Marquee Theatre, Tempe
15 June 2022 – Granada Theater, Dallas
16 June 2022 – Emos Austin, Austin
17 June 2022 – Warehouse Live, Houston
20 June 2022 – The Orange Peel, Asheville
21 June 2022 – The National, Richmond
23 June 2022 – Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park
24 June 2022 – Mr. Small’s Theatre, Pittsburgh
25 June 2022 – Deluxe At Old National Centre, Indianapolis
28 June 2022 – The Pageant, St. Louis
29 June 2022 – The Truman, Kansas City
2 July 2022 – Summerfest, Milwaukee
7 July 2022 – Ottawa Blues Festival, Ottawa
8 July 2022 – Quebec International Summer Festival, Quebec
10 July 2022 – Wonderstruck Festival, Cleveland
17 September 2022 – Filadelfiakyrkan, Stockholm
18 September 2022 – Sentrum Scene, Oslo
20 September 2022 – Skråen i Nordkraft, Aalborg
21 September 2022 – Posted, Odense
22 September 2022 – Train, Århus
24 September 2022 – Train, Århus (SOLD OUT)
25 September 2022 – Forum Black Box, Copenhagen (SOLD OUT)
27 September 2022 – Forum Black Box, Copenhagen, Denmark
28 September 2022 – Train, Århus (SOLD OUT)
29 September 2022 – Markthalle, Hamburg
1 October 2022 – Progresja, Warsaw
3 October 2022 – ROXY Prague, Prague
4 October 2022 – Huxley’s, Berlin
6 October 2022 – Live Music Hall, Cologne
7 October 2022 – X-tra, Zurich
9 October 2022 – Magazzini Generali, Milan
11 October 2022 – La Madeleine, Brussels
12 October 2022 – Tivoli Vredenburg, Utrecht
13 October 2022 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
15 October 2022 – Le Trianon, Paris
Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: Darren Craig
Melbourne artist Taylah Carroll has given me tingles with her new track “Have a Party on Me”. Her first release through [PIAS} Australia, it’s the perfect breakup song. If you love your music with a healthy dose of angst, this one’s for you. Taylah worked with director Nick Mckk on the accompanying video, which they filmed in a mid-century Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired holiday rental in regional Victoria.
“We really wanted this clip to feel more cinematic, and it takes itself more seriously than previous ones. In a nutshell – it explores the narrative of a woman who lives alone, and steals lamps in order to conduct a lonesome light show at night,”
Taylah will launch “Have a Party on Me” on me tonight at The Old Bar in Melbourne. Make sure you arrive early for supporting sets from Ruby Whiting and Dogs Don’t Kiss.
Image used with permission from [PIAS] Australia; credit Nick Mckk
Brisbane artist Kedus has just released his silky-smooth new single, “Ballroom Bop,” and it’s an absolute banger. Just see if you can resist grooving along when that beat drops.
“My bro Soulis cooked up the beat and sent it to me and as soon as I heard it I loved it,” enthused Kedus. “I then recorded a melody at my stu and wrote to it and then re-recorded the vocals, and this came out of it.”
Kedus’ “stu” is a home studio he built by the time he turned 15. Since then he’s self-engineered five mixtapes and recorded an EP. This is a guy that’s serious about his music.
This ultra-cool track comes perfectly packaged with a music video inspired by Old Hollywood. It’s an absolute stunner with a classic aesthetic and Kedus at his dapper best. Expect to see and hear a lot more from Kedus this year.
Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: OB Life
